Unlocking an 18th-century French Mechanical Table

J. Paul Getty

Timestamp: 0:02:36 | Permalink Permalink to this note

J. Paul Getty acquired the Oeben mechanical table in 1949. He wrote about its arrival at his home in Malibu in his diary on December 31, 1949.

The mechanical table was partly open when unpacked. I succeeded in closing it but couldn’t get it to open by turning the key. Possibly I had wound it too tight. Then I couldn’t get the key to turn. Mitchell said it was a great table. There are about 15 in the world, about 5 in America.....

Go to the last page of this journal to read Getty's diary entry on the table.

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Mechanical Reading, Writing, and Toilet Table
0:00:13
With the turn of a key in the small hole in the table's side, the top automatically slides back and the drawer below opens, revealing lidded compartments and a book rest. The mechanism is activated by interior springs, which are tightened by winding another key. Learn more about this object in the J. Paul Getty Museum’s collection.

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Jean-François Oeben
0:00:16
Cabinetmaker to the King, Jean-François Oeben is credited with having reintroduced naturalistic floral marquetry, which had fallen out of fashion. He produced furniture for the most fashionable members of the aristocracy and was patronized by Madame de Pompadour, Louis XV's mistress. Learn more about Oeben.

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Making Furniture
0:00:37
Throughout the 1700s in France, the making of furniture was an elaborate process involving a variety of craftsmen, from the cabinetmaker to the bronze founder to the finisher. The environment of these Parisian artisans, their training, neighborhoods, design sources, and patrons all combined to influence the final products. Learn how a table such as this one was made.

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J. Paul Getty
0:01:26
J. Paul Getty acquired the Oeben mechanical table in 1949. He wrote about its arrival at his home in Malibu in his diary on December 31, 1949. The mechanical table was partly open when unpacked. I succeeded in closing it but couldn’t get it to open by turning the key. Possibly I had wound it too tight. Then I couldn’t get the key to turn. Mitchell said it was a great table. There are about 15 in the world, about 5 in America..... Go to the last page of this journal to read Getty's diary entry on the table.

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Photograph of the Oeben Table in the Early Getty Museum
0:02:15
The early Museum was located in Getty's private Malibu residence known as "the Ranch House." The table was displayed in the "Louis XV Room." See a photograph of the Oeben table in Getty Ranch House galleries.

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Channels: Decorative ArtsEuropean ArtFurniture
Themes: Objects

With a turn of a key, this table transforms into a desk. Learn how it operates and how it may have been used in this short animation.
Enjoy this exquisite piece of furniture! H.
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by hans on Wed, 09/07/2011 - 13:51.
This piece of at is so beatiful i can't bielive my eyes.
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by McKenzie on Tue, 08/09/2011 - 12:17.
The artistry,woodworking technique, and engineering detail of this piece are beyond belief and a challenge for today's professionals. Thank you for your presentation.
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by John S on Mon, 07/04/2011 - 03:14.
What an extraordinary piece of history. The video was exceptional. Enjoyed very much and will share!
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Mary Jo Gibson on Sun, 07/03/2011 - 09:25.
are you going to make one of these
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Rob A Roy on Fri, 07/01/2011 - 13:31.
This piece is an outstanding piece of craftmanship and skill of the artisan. Pieces like this must inspire today and tomorrows' craftsmen to innovate new levels of excellence. Even as an amateur I am inspired.
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by OMEGA Lucifer on Mon, 06/27/2011 - 09:10.
Thought you might enjoy this video.
Anonymous's picture
Submitted by Alex Yawin on Sat, 06/25/2011 - 10:10.
The video is a clear and beautiful presentation of a beautifully designed and crafted object. Thank you
Lorraine Huddle's picture
Submitted by Indigo on Sat, 04/30/2011 - 22:39.

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